Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - Shallow State

So, we are stretching the term "live", because, unfortunately, I have yet to see this band perform live.  Not due to lack of opportunities, they play out often - it's just never when I'm in town.

However, I did listen to their two newest - original - songs, "Always Something" and "Now Or Never".  And, this does qualify as "live" since they had to be live in the studio, right?

I have seen their one guitarist live, when he was in the band Axe Man's Bridge, and I can say that he is very talented, his guitar work seems effortless (though I know it's not easy stuff), he is very active on stage, totally getting into the music, and clearly is having fun doing it.  I'm sure his attitude is the same with Shallow State and I'm sure the rest of Shallow State is of the same level and style on stage.

But, back to the songs.  I don't normally like to say "this band sounds like that band", because I feel that labels a band, and a label based solely on my perception.  As they said in Wayne's World, "If you label me you negate me."  However, since I'm not a professional writer nor a journalism major, I have to resort to using comparisons - so here goes.

Both songs show influences of Godsmack and Alice In Chains.  The harmonies by Shallow State on these songs is tight and haunting and really defines their vocal style.  Good harmonies are not easy to perform, many bands miss the mark, however, Shallow State hits the mark dead on!  The musical aspect hearkens to the great metal bands of the 90s/2000s as well - solid, forceful, and with a groove.  In addition, especially in the openings of the songs, I sensed a feel of the 1970s hard rock bands, can't quite put my finger on it exactly, but I felt it.  This is strong grinding gritty working-man's hard rock.  No prima donna guitar showcasing at all - it's all about the overall sound of the song - and the entire band is tight and plays well off each other.  The songs do not sound "produced" at all - they sound legit and live.

There is also a perfectly placed spoken word placed into the middle of "Now or Never" which adds yet another dimension to an already strong song.

I get the feeling the description of their music, would probably also describe their live show (if I ever get a chance to catch them) - strong, gritty, working-man's rock - with a groove.

Can't wait to finally catch a live show.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/officialshallowstate/?fref=ts
Reverbnation - https://www.reverbnation.com/shallowstate5